David Cameron accused of “scaremongering” over health tourism

David Cameron’s promise to tackle health tourism is facing criticism after official figures indicated that the cost to the NHS is 18 times less than the amount claimed by the government.

Earlier this year, Mr Cameron promised tighter controls to limit immigrants’ access to the NHS, saying “what we have is a free National Health Service not a free International Health Service”.

Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, subsequently claimed that health tourism is costing the health service £200 million a year. However, figures released by the Department of Health show that the NHS has been forced to write off £11 million worth of bills from foreign patients.

The figures led to accusations that Mr Hunt had “exaggerated” the scale of the problem. Andrew Gwynne, a shadow health minister, accused Mr Hunt of “playing fast and loose” with the truth.

He said: “The NHS must always get back the money spent on oversees patients. A&Es are in crisis and Ministers are more interested in scaremongering.”

The Prime Minister gave his keynote speech on immigration in March after weeks of pressure from Conservative backbenchers and the UK Independence Party. He promised new controls on migrants’ access to health care, housing and benefits, warning that Britain had become a “soft touch”.

Source The Telegraph